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Rene Knott spent an afternoon at the Holiday House as our team of volunteers filled the hall under Most Holy Trinity with holiday decorations. 

Holiday House Brings Seasonal Cheer and Unforgettable Memories to North City

St. Louis, MO – December 30, 2024 – In its inaugural year, The Holiday House STL invited

families, from one of the city’s underserved neighborhoods to immerse themselves in the magic

of the festive season. Located in the North City area of St. Louis, The Holiday House STL

brought joy, warmth and community to more than 500 children and families through a one-of-a-

kind seasonal experience filled with holiday cheer, themed treats, photos with Santa and plenty

of opportunities to create lasting memories.

“When I was growing up in Glendale there was a “Santa House” on the corner of Lockwood and

Berry Road.  I remember it as a magical place -- the sights, the smells (there were always

freshly baked cookies), and the joy.  It is forever etched in my memory as a symbol of

happiness. My goal with launching The Holiday House STL is to bring the same joyful

experience to children and families in need right here in our community,” says Lisa Brunts,

Holiday House Founder and President.

Held on December 7 and 8, 2024 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in North City, the event

welcomed families from 30+ zip codes and included:

* Seasonal decorations and music and the opportunity for children to visit with Santa,

create their special wish lists, make reindeer food, decorate gingerbread houses and

enjoy special Christmas crafts

* A Santa’s Workshop where parents selected toys and gifts that were then wrapped,

tagged and bagged for families to share on Christmas morning

* More than 1,000 freshly baked sugar cookies and 600 cups of hot cocoa

In the weeks following the event, children received a personalized letter from Santa encouraging

them to spread joy and love throughout the holiday season and beyond.

“This is so incredible. Just walking around the corner, seeing the lights and decorations, hearing

the music….it really set the tone and got the kids so excited about Christmas,” said guest, Justin

H. “I’m so grateful to have something really special for my kids to open on Christmas morning.”

Special thanks go to:

* The 50+ volunteers who provided gifts, spent hours decorating the venue, baked dozens

of cookies and helped children and parents during the event

* Our friends at Story Seven who provided all of the gift wrap and promoted the event to

customers

* Father Mitch Doyen and the entire team at Most Holy Trinity Church

* And special guests Mayor Tishaura Jones, Ward 14 Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, District

17 Missouri House Representative Kimberly Ann Collins, and 14 th Ward

Committeewoman Lucinda Frazier who promoted and supported the event

About The Holiday House STL:

The Holiday House STL is a nonprofit organization created to provide seasonal events that

bring joy and support to communities and families with limited financial resources.

Upcoming Events:

Planning is underway for a school supplies Fill Your Backpack event in July 2025.

The Holiday House STL, December 6, 7, 2025 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Lisa Brunts

Founder and President

The Holiday House STL

Email: lisabrunts@theholidayhousestl.org

Website: theholidayhousestl.org